On July 4, 2026, the US will celebrate the semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the act that led to the creation of the United States of America. This yearlong commemoration will be marked at the national, state, and local levels, and museums in Kansas are uniquely positioned to help people in our communities learn and reflect during this time.
This page will connect Kansas museums with resources to help you discover existing programming, look for opportunities for collaboration, and think through how your museum wants to engage with the US 250th.
Content will be updated as time allows. To submit your content to be added here please use the Contact Us form and under question topic choose “general” from the dropdown.
US 250 Programs Humanities Kansas: Declaration 1776 Traveling ExhibitionThis traveling exhibit from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History will tour 46 different institutions in Kansas in 2026. It focuses on how the Declaration of Independence has inspired Americans and others, and includes a panel on “Kansas” in 1776. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks: Outdoor Recreation ChallengeRegister and log 10 of your favorite ways to spend time outside by July 4, 2026 and receive a certificate of completion. Kansas Volunteer Commission: Volunteer Day of Service on Sept. 11Museums that need volunteers for projects can sign up now to be added to a list of organizations that will be promoted so that people who want to volunteer on the 9/11 Commemoration Day of Service can be connected with volunteer opportunities. State Library of Kansas: Kansas 250 BookshelfThe State Library of Kansas has monthly themed reading lists throughout 2026 with books written by or about Kansans. They also have paired program ideas and partnership suggestions with that month's theme that museums can promote and build from. US 250 Toolkits Humanities Kansas: Declaration Conversations Toolkits – available January 2026Free online kit to help you host your own conversation about the Declaration of Independence, including a PowerPoint, discussion questions, and copies of the Declaration US Chamber of Commerce Foundation: 250th Celebration for Business PlaybookA guide for… “organizations of all sizes [to] plan inclusive, nonpartisan celebrations that educate, engage, and inspire.” Scalable ideas for different capacities and budgets, whether you are looking for year-long programs or a single event. American Association for State and Local History: Making History at 250: The Field Guide for the SemiquincentennialFree guide with themes to connect your museum content with the commemoration American Association for State and Local History: 250th Anniversary Program HandbookFree low-cost program examples for any organization to use American Association for State and Local History: Additional Planning ResourcesClick on the “Planning Resources” Tab for additional resource kits, webinar recordings, technical leaflets, and more. US 250 Grants Rolling Deadline NEH: Celebrate America January 15: NEH: Rediscovering our Revolutionary Tradition
Humanities Kansas: Declaration 1776 Traveling Exhibition
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks: Outdoor Recreation Challenge
Kansas Volunteer Commission: Volunteer Day of Service on Sept. 11
State Library of Kansas: Kansas 250 Bookshelf
Humanities Kansas: Declaration Conversations Toolkits – available January 2026
US Chamber of Commerce Foundation: 250th Celebration for Business Playbook
American Association for State and Local History: Making History at 250: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial
Free guide with themes to connect your museum content with the commemoration
American Association for State and Local History: 250th Anniversary Program Handbook
American Association for State and Local History: Additional Planning Resources
Rolling Deadline NEH: Celebrate America
January 15: NEH: Rediscovering our Revolutionary Tradition